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Three Sherwood charter changes pass handily

One of the measures allows the city to go out to voters at different times of the year for money requests.

Three changes to Sherwood's city charter passed handily during Tuesday night's election.

As of 9:45 p.m., the measures, which included revisions to certain election dates, revising council votes and vacancies, and making some housekeeping revisions to the charter, were winning by significant margins.

"I want to thank the Sherwood community for strongly supporting the three city charter changes," said Mayor Keith Mays. "I also want to thank the members of the charter review committee for their hard work in recommending the changes to city council to advance to the voters."

Measure No. 34-291 (59.84% to 40.16%). The measure changes certain election date requirements regarding when voting for the raising of taxes or fees by more than 2% can take place. Currently, if an election is held in November of even-numbered years, only a simple majority vote is needed for such approval. However, in the past if it was held at any other time – even if the majority of voters approved it – it would not pass if voter turnout was below 50%. Passage means the city can go out in May of even numbered years and November of any year.

City manager Joe Gall said passage of the measure is helpful because the Sherwood City Council has been talking about a potential parks bond, possibly in May or November of 2020. While no decisions have been made, Gall said that bond would likely be earmarked, for among other things, an expansion of the Sherwood Family YMCA swimming pool or add money to the $2 million in lottery funds the state has given Sherwood if it builds a pedestrian bridge to cross Highway 99W at Sunset Avenue to Kruger/Elwert roads.

Measure No. 34-292 (74.84% to 25.16%), which addresses issues related to council votes and vacancies. The measure simply clarifies the procedure and requirements for filling council vacancies. It also creates a new section to the charter that would require a supermajority approval by City Council before the city could sell or subdivide a parcel of property that's greater five acres and whose use would be primarily for park or recreational purposes.

Measure No. 34-293 (81.23% to 18.77%). The measure makes general housekeeping revisions to the charter by adding references to public records and meetings law, removing unnecessary and ambiguous language and repealing a charter section that once prohibited approval of the use of the Willamette River as the city's drinking supply since voters later approved of using the river as its water source.

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